Bayern sign France defender Pavard from Stuttgart

BERLIN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich have signed France defender Benjamin Pavard from league rivals Stuttgart, the German record champions confirmed on Wednesday.

"We have signed Benjamin Pavard starting from July 1. He has penned a five-year deal. He is a young player and a World Cup winner. We are very proud that we were able to sign such a player for Bayern," sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said.

The 22-year-old centre back joined Stuttgart in August 2016 and made ever since 69 appearances, providing two goals and two assists. Pavard is since 2017 part of France's national team where he marked one goal in 16 caps.

Nico Kovac's men sit currently on the second place of the standings. They kick off the second half of the Bundesliga season against Hoffenheim on January 18. Enditem